Winter Magic - a multi-author anthology of poetry and prose

A Winter's Wonder

by Kimmy Alan

*

When shovel'n snow

In the Minnesota cold

.

I found beneath

A precious treasure to keep

.

An oil lantern of gold

Just like the ones from tales of old

Instantly I knew what to do

So I rubbed it, 'wouldn't you?'

.

And just like in fables of yesteryear

Out of the lamp a Genie appeared

.

"Master, I will grant you three wishes

With only one condition

.

All three that you choose

Must be to help 'you', improve

.

Pick anything that doesn't relate

And all your wishes you'll negate

.

So be careful the wishes you so choose

Mess up just one, and all three you'll loose"

.

I said, "End world hunger

Bring ever lasting peace to the Middle East

And create a cure for cancer"

.

The Genie was perplexed

To the point of being vexed

.

"I told you silly old fool

Only wish for things to improve you

.

You just wasted three chances

For a life filled with happiness"

.

"O' ancient one,"

I warned

"You need mind your tongue"

.

"Every wish I have that I stated

Would result in making me greater

.

For what greater attributes could be extolled

Than by bettering one's spirit

And improving their soul?"

.

And nothing will improve my felicity

Than to help improve all of humanity"

.

"Apologies wise Master," Genie said

With a humble bowed head

.

"All your wishes will now be granted

By the powers of my enchantment"

.

Then suddenly into the night

Both lamp and Genie disappeared into oblivion

So I figured I'd better just get back to snow shovel'n